Maribel Martinez

When it comes to your body and your baby, your voice should be part of the conversation. Asking questions, sharing concerns, and understanding your options can help you make decisions that reflect your needs, preferences, and goals. But with so much conflicting information – and misinformation – available online these days, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. Having the right people in your corner can put your mind at ease and help you feel empowered to find your voice. The...

When you're expecting a baby, it can feel like everyone has advice about the support you need. Your doctor mentions prenatal appointments. A friend recommends hiring a doula. Someone else suggests seeing a midwife. So what's the difference, and how can each one support your family? The answer may surprise you: doulas and midwives serve very different roles, and together they can help create a stronger, more personalized support system for expecting families. A midwife is a licensed healthcare...

Bringing home a new baby is one of life’s most meaningful experiences. It can also bring new questions, routines, and moments when families need trusted support close to home. At Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition, we believe every family deserves access to the information, resources, referrals, and caring professionals who help families feel informed, prepared, and supported. Through our no-cost, voluntary Home Visitation Program, expecting parents and families with children up to age three...